Kansas City faces a near-term holdout on Trent McDuffie, with no multiyear deal expected before the season opens against the Chargers. McDuffie, coming off career-best metrics (two INTs, 13 pass breakups, 59 tackles) and a league-high 996 defensive snaps near the line, is a priority but talks have stretched into Week 1. KC may opt for dialogue into 2024 and, if unresolved, could tag him in 2027. Sauce Gardner’s extension benchmark looms as a price reference for McDuffie.

The 2022 class—Karlaftis, Pacheco, Cook, Chenal, Watson—helped cement KC’s dynasty, which has already claimed back-to-back titles and reached the title game in three straight seasons. The Jets’ Gardner deal and Tyreek Hill’s trade backdrop shape the market for top corners and star defenders as KC manages cap and roster longevity ahead of a pivotal season opener vs. LA.